Sunstorm - Emotional Fire
I have only had this album for about 4 or 5 days, but it is scratching me right where I itch. I only acquired the first Sunstorm album buy buying the album online, I haven't been able to find it at a reasonable price yet. I liked it, but it didn't hit me like House of Dreams did. House of Dreams is simply one of the finest melodic rock albums for some years IMO, every song had something to offer and the killer tracks were extra special. Tracks like Divided, I Found Love, Gutters of Gold, The Spririt Inside, Don't Give Up and the title track are simply perfect.
When Emotional Fire was announced I was instantly counting down to the release date. I eventually got it and I am so pleased I have this one. Dennis Ward handles the production and right there you know you are gonna get an excellent sounding record. Uwe Reitienauer returns and handles the leads this time. Chris Schmidt is back too and a fellow called Justin Dukey handles the keyboards.
This album is made up of simple, short, even somewhat generic AOR/melodic rock style songs. The longest song checks in at only 4:03, and the whole album is over by 43 minutes. Joe sounds great for his age, and his tone and passion is still as strong as ever, he does a really great job and has some highs still in him. I call the songs generic in the sense that there is nothing new here, but one shouldn't expect anything new. If you enjoy catchy, hook laden melodic songs, this is an album for you. It's one album that's instant and doesn't need 100 listens to grow on you, it's there and it makes no apologies.
Never Give Up is the first track and is the best track on the album. Written by the amazing Robert Sall of Work of Art, this is one guy who is writing some amazing music lately with his own band and for others. Similar to Divided, it's catchy, rocking, and Joe sounds like he is loving this one. The pre chorus gives me goose bumps, and the lyrics are typical AOR, but it's just really well done. A good start.
Emotional Fire is next and is a cover of a Cher song. The album has 3 covers that featured Turner in the backing vox department back in the day, this song being one of them. Written by Michael Bolton, Dionne Warren and Desmond Child, you know this song is perfect pop. Killer chorus here and a great groove. I prefer this over the original as I was never much of a Cher fan.
Lay Down our Arms is a smooth, somber, somewhat depressing piece with lyrics about a lost love. The chorus here absolutely kicks you in the face, it's emotional and just so melodic. The keys in the middle are a nice touch too. I would have liked a ripping guitar solo, but for what it is, it does the job nicely.
You Wouldn't Know Love is another cover by Dianne Warren and Michael Bolton. I believe both Cher and Michael Bolton have done this one. It's simple, good but nothing really outstanding. I'm listening to the Michael Bolton version right now and I like that better. Bolton is king.
Wish You Were Here is pretty generic when it comes to AOR and grooves along nicely. The main riffs and verses are pretty average, but the chorus makes up for it, fantastic, uplifting chorus. I just wish the rest were as strong to carry this chorus.
Torn in Half written by Soren Kronqvist is again AOR by numbers, but like the others the chrous kicks ass and makes the song strong as hell.
Gina, the Michael Bolton hit is IMO a weaker one. It's a little dated and the original is much better. Joe tunes down on this one as it's clear he can't hit the same notes that Bolton did in the original, not that anyone really expects him too. It's listenable, but nothing extrodinary.
The Higher You Rise again by Robert Sall is a nice change of pace and somwhat darker at times. Robert Sall writes gold IMO and the tougher chorus here is perfect, and Joe delivers it really well.
Emily is next and I really like this one. A bit faster and has some excellent keyboard patches. Great chorus, nothing over the top but melodic and fitting.
Follow Your Heart is the most pop/AOR song on the album. It's good, but filler, very generic.
All I Am is the last track and is the big ballad of the album. For me, it lacks, and just doesn't do much for me at all. Written by the amazing Tom and James Martin, I guess I just expected more.
This album, I really can just call solid. Every song has something to offer, more than others, but it doesn't have as many highlights as House of Dreams, but is much more consistent, which I like. If you like melodic catchy music, you should give this a go.
Topic: The official Frontiers Softcock Shit thread (Read 529741 times)
